Wairarapa

Skills Leadership and Workforce Plan

Following on from the development of the Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan, we were engaged by Dame Margaret Bazley to assist her to develop primary sector skills training to replace the courses previously available through Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre (Taratahi went into liquidation in late 2019).

We took an industry-led approach to this, convening a meeting of Wairarapa farmers to discuss what was required. A local farmer was appointed to lead the work programme, which resulted in the selection of a farmer-developed on-farm cadetship, delivered through EIT. We supported the farmer-led group and provided assistance and guidance as required. The programme (Growing Future Farmers) is currently being piloted and is due to be expanded in 2021.

This industry-led approach is being extended to other key industry sectors. We supported the establishment of a construction sector group, which is now in full operation. Other groups are about to be established for manufacturing (including food production), tourism and hospitality, digital technology, and healthcare and social assistance.

Governance is through a Vocational Skills Leadership Group, which includes the Mayors of the three Wairarapa Councils, iwi leaders, employers, and education providers.

The first regional workforce plan was completed and launched in October 2020:

Read the Wairarapa Workforce Plan.

Outcome

A regional workforce plan that projects labour supply needs to ensure the region has the right skills and workforce planning to seize local economic opportunities.

Mechanisms to take a coordinated and integrated approach to vocational education between employers, vocational education providers and schools.

Skills

  • Analysis – input from economic data and stakeholder interviews

  • Strategy – developing a workforce strategy and action plan

  • Industry engagement – recruiting and supporting industry sector leadership groups

  • Stakeholder engagement - with local business, iwi, local and central government

  • Collaboration – with WellingtonNZ, Business Wairarapa, industry leaders, vocational education providers and secondary schools.